NW Twin Cities

Waconia, M.N. – On May 19, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) toured the Gather and Grow, Waconia United Food Shelf and met with their Executive Director, Angie Cruzen.

“As Minnesotans face double-digit price increases at the grocery store, we are grateful to organizations like Gather and Grow who have stepped up to support those in need,” Emmer said.

“The incredible work being done at Gather and Grow goes beyond simple food assistance. The talented staff here in Waconia also provide employment and budgeting services, nutrition classes and life coaching, and mental health support. We are grateful to have such a capable and comprehensive organization here in the Sixth District,” Emmer concluded.

Gather and Grow, Waconia United Food Shelf opened in July of 2003 and aims to provide “hand-ups” not “handouts” to clients by providing food, personal care items, employment and budgeting services, nutrition education and life coaching, and mental health support to community members in Waconia, New Germany, Victoria, Cologne, and St. Bonifacius.

Angie Cruzen, Executive Director of Gather and Grow participated in one of Emmer’s Farm Bill listening sessions in April to share her unique perspective on the federal nutrition programs included in the Farm Bill.

The city of Waconia and Gather and Grow were incorporated as part of Minnesota’s Sixth Congressional District in 2023.

Original source can be found here.